Vertical-flow agitation system for microalgae cultivation tanks

Abstract

The present invention relates to the cultivation of microalgae for the production of biofuels. In this scenario, the present invention provides a vertical flow agitation system for microalgae culture tanks comprising: a source of energy generation (1); an energy storage device (2); a control system (3); an electric motor (4); at least one end of travel sensor (5); an agitation plate (6); a torque transmission system (7); and at least two lateral drive elements (8).

1 . A vertical flow agitation system for microalgae culture tanks, wherein it comprises: a source of energy generation ( 1 ); an energy storage device ( 2 ); a control system ( 3 ); an electric motor ( 4 ); at least one end of travel sensor ( 5 ); an agitation plate ( 6 ); a torque transmission system ( 7 ); and at least two lateral drive elements ( 8 ). 
     
     
         2 . A system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the source of energy generation ( 1 ) is at least one of: a photovoltaic energy generator, and a wind energy generator. 
     
     
         3 . A system as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the energy storage device ( 2 ) is at least one battery, or at least one supercapacitor, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         4 . A system as claimed in any one of the  claims 1  to  3 , wherein the control system ( 3 ) is adapted to execute the control of the direction of movement of the autonomous vertical flow agitation system, wherein the control system ( 3 ) is composed by at least one of: microcontrollers, programmable logic controllers, and relays. 
     
     
         5 . A system as claimed in any one of the  claims 1  to  4 , wherein the end of travel sensors ( 5 ) are adapted to detect when the agitation system reaches the end of the culture tank in a given direction. 
     
     
         6 . A system as claimed in any one of the  claims 1  to  3 , wherein the torque transmission system ( 7 ) is adapted to transmit the torque generated by the motor ( 4 ) to the drive elements ( 8 ), wherein the transmission system ( 7 ) comprises a set of gears and shafts. 
     
     
         7 . A system as claimed in any one of the  claims 1  to  6 , wherein
 the drive elements ( 8 ) are adapted to drive the agitation system along the culture tank, 
 wherein the drive elements ( 8 ) are positioned laterally in relation to the agitation plate ( 6 ), 
 wherein the drive elements ( 8 ) comprise at least one of: lateral rails, lateral belts connected to toothed shafts, and lateral wheels, and 
 wherein the drive elements ( 8 ) are supported and move upon a lateral rim of the culture tank. 
 
     
     
         8 . A system as claimed in any one of the  claims 1  to  7 , wherein the agitation plate ( 6 ) comprises a format substantially respecting the format of the cross-section of the culture tank, wherein the sides of the agitation plate ( 6 ) are positioned in a precise manner in relation to the lateral walls of the tank, and the inferior region of the agitation plate ( 6 ) maintains a given distance from the bottom of the tank such that the passage of fluid is permitted past the inferior region.